Online Computer Terms Dictionary - D

DES ==>

Data Encryption Standard

(DES) The NBS's popular, standard encryption algorithm. It is a product cipher
that operates on 64-bit blocks of data, using a 56-bit key. It is defined in
FIPS 46-1 (1988) (which supersedes FIPS 46 (1977)). DES is identical to the ANSI
standard Data Encryption Algorithm (DEA) defined in ANSI X3.92-1981.

DES has been implemented in VLSI. SunOS provides a des command which can make
use of DES hardware if fitted. Neither the software nor the hardware are
supposed to be distributed outside the USA.